A Reverse ‘To-Do’ List + In Defense of Edible Arrangements

Hello, friends!

Have you ever tried writing a reverse ‘to-do’ list? Basically, instead of making a list of everything you need to do, start a list of everything you’ve already done. Keep it in a handy spot, like the kitchen counter, and add to it whenever you can. I did this for the kids last year and they were so proud of themselves when I read off all their accomplishments. So, this year, I started one for myself, too. Just an idea to warm up your February. Below are a few other things that kept me going this month and have a wonderful Sunday!

Xo,

Toby

•  It was impossible to be online this month and not bump into this exhaustive list of etiquette rules. I live for etiquette but found it a bit snobby at times—don’t knock an Edible Arrangement ‘til you’ve tried it! However, I did love this updated version that covers online etiquette. (The Cut and Buzzfeed)

•  The biggest news on the lifestyle corner of the Internet this month was Joanna Goddard’s divorce announcement. I was so impressed with her grace and the amount of folks who turned out in her comments section. Say what you will about the Internet, but there’s still a lot of good to be found there. (Cup of Jo)

• You can find yours truly rambling on about my daughter’s bubblegum wrapper collection and Nathan Fielder in my latest piece, “In Praise of Lived-In Homes.” (Gloria)

•  If you could use some extra flare in your feed, I highly recommend following Michelle Norris. She’s an artist in Atlanta and her pictures + outfits always make me smile. (Instagram) 

•  Are any of you on Letterboxd? Please let me know since I’d love more friends to follow. I’m about four years late to the game, but I discover a new movie to watch everytime I open the app. (Letterboxd)

•  Conan O’Brien’s conversation with Jane Fonda is a delight: “It was wonderful to have been alive in the late 30s and 40s. The world had only 2 billion people and that affected every nook and cranny of life. There were more birds. There were more empty spaces to explore and play in.” (Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend)

•  I’ve spent more time in libraries the past few years than I have in my entire adult life, both as a mom and a volunteer. So I was vigorously nodding my head in agreement with this love letter to libraries. (New York Times)

•  Patricia Lockwood’s essay about her husband almost exploding over the Atlantic ocean is simply perfect. (London Review of Books)

• And the only book I’ve had the capacity to read this week is this gem by Lynda Barry, certified genius. You should get in there if you could use a laugh + creativity boost. (BookShop.org)

•  This oral history on How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is chalk full of fun details. Katherine Hahn talking about Kate Hudson seeing a tankini for the first time is pure gold. Or should I say yellow? (Vanity Fair)

•  We’ve had a taste of spring weather lately, but I’m still leaning into winter comfort foods. So I’m looking forward to trying Joy’s Pesto Butter Grilled Cheese next week. I’m predicting an awesome outcome. (Joy the Baker)

•  Finally, if you’re traveling through Santa Monica anytime soon, make sure to check out Zibby’s Book Shop. Yay for independent bookstores! (Zibby’s Book Shop)

• If you’re free Tuesday night, you should definitely make dinner with Joy and Central Market! Tickets are going fast but it’s *free* for Joy the Baker readers with code: joy2023 (Eventbrite)